The Complexities of the Role of Children in the Process of Technology Transmission Among Disadvantaged Families: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

Using mixed methods that triangulated survey data with interviews and focus groups, this study explores the complexities of the process of technology transmission from children to parents in vulnerable contexts, such as rural communities in Chile. The findings suggest that among Internet users, about one-fourth learned from their children and a similar percentage relied on them to perform different tasks. Both the quantitative and qualitative results suggest that in many families, both processes are closely intertwined and are more likely to occur among people of a similar profile—women, older people, and less educated people. In addition, they are significantly associated with parents’ improved digital skills, but not with more online activities.